Run-out controversy! 'Never do what Bangladesh captain did': Ex-India star backs Salman Ali Agha, slams Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Dhaka: A moment of high drama and fierce debate overshadowed the cricket as Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz ran out Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha in contentious fashion during the second ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, triggering a wave of criticism led by former India batter Mohammad Kaif.

The incident unfolded in the 39th over with Pakistan rebuilding through a 109-run fourth-wicket stand between Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. After Rizwan nudged Miraz’s delivery down the pitch, the ball rolled toward Agha, who had backed up outside the crease. Agha instinctively picked the ball up to return it to the bowler, but Miraz seized the chance to break the stumps and appealed for a run-out. The third umpire upheld the dismissal, sending Agha back for an angry trudge to the pavilion.

Kaif, commentating on the match, did not mince words. “This is so not done. No desperation of getting wickets can justify this run-out. That too from a captain. Youngsters please remember, even if the World Cup final is on the line never do what the Bangladesh skipper did. Sports without fair play is no sports,” he said on air.

Television replays showed Rizwan engaging in a heated discussion with Bangladesh players, while Litton Das defended his skipper’s actions, insisting the appeal was within the laws. Social media quickly split: some argued Agha should have remained in his crease, while many condemned the act as against the spirit of the game.

Pakistan, already 1-0 down in the series, were eventually dismissed for 274 in 47.3 overs, Maaz Sadaqat top-scoring with 75. The result leaves the visitors facing a must-win scenario in the final ODI to keep the series alive, but the fallout from Friday’s run-out is likely to linger far beyond the scorecard.